§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the recommendations made by the Medical Foundation in its report on Pakistani asylum applicants who claimed to be victims of torture. [HL107]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)All asylum caseworkers receive training and instructions in dealing with applicants who are victims of torture. Any evidence of torture is taken very seriously and caseworkers are aware of the need for sensitivity when interviewing victims of torture, as well as the United Kingdom's obligations to protect victims of torture. If there are substantial grounds to believe that there is a real risk that a person will, if returned, be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment, it would be inappropriate to remove them. In such cases, if the applicant does not qualify for asylum, exceptional leave would be granted.
Previous Medical Foundation reports have been referred to, and drawn upon, in the Home Office country assessments used by caseworkers. We are carefully considering the information provided in the latest Medical Foundation report, and will continue to engage in constructive discussions with all parties who have information on conditions in Pakistan.